Best Explore Azeroth Podcasts (2025)

1
All We Ask For Is Communication PvP is in a sorry state 24:33

7h ago24:33

24:33

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! The matchmaking rating system in World of Warcraft PvP has become a frustrating obstacle for players who genuinely love competitive gameplay. As ratings have deflated by nearly 1,000 points since Shadowlands, achievements that were o…

1
How we'd make Azeroth into a D&D campaign 1:02:22

8h ago1:02:22

1:02:22

This week's Lore Watch is based on a listener question, which mashes together two of Joe and Matt's favorite topics: Azeroth and Dungeons and Dragons. Specifically, this episode goes through doing just that: how they would play their way through a World of Warcraft-themed D&D campaign. They discuss their picks for the best tabletop system to play t…

1
ep37: Our Player Housing Has an HOA 1:19:58

3d ago1:19:58

1:19:58

Huge news for player housing this week! Also why do Valorstones even exist? Checkout this weeks episode as we discuss what's happening in WoW! Send us a text Join us on Discord at: https://discord.gg/2usJfbCMAe Swag's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/the_swaglock Swag's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSwaglock Swag's X: https://x.com/TSwaglock Wa…

1
The Divide: Classic vs. Retail WoW Debates 26:50

7d ago26:50

26:50

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! Contradictory player opinions about Classic and Retail WoW reveal fundamental disconnects between what players claim they want and what they actually enjoy. • Classic players simultaneously demand "no changes" while requesting qualit…

1
The evolution of Dragons (and other fantasy creatures) 1:01:46

7d ago1:01:46

1:01:46

On this week's Lore Watch Podcast, Joe and Matt are joined again by our writer Eric O'Dea, and they continue to explore how the telling and re-telling of stories about creatures in folklore has evolved into the creatures we now know in some of our favorite media. This week they start the discussions with dragons and all their forms -- sapient, verb…

1
ep36: Delete Racials or Delete M+? 1:25:53

9d ago1:25:53

1:25:53

Legion Remix, More M+ Complainers, and plenty of other WoW news this week! Join Chicken and Swag as they crashout over the simplest topics in World of Warcraft. Send us a text Join us on Discord at: https://discord.gg/2usJfbCMAe Swag's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/the_swaglock Swag's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSwaglock Swag's X: https://…

1
WoW Perspectives: Exploring the Best Zones, Characters, and Leveling Experiences 23:11

12d ago23:11

23:11

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! The Pig and Whistle Tales from Azeroth podcast explores personal favorites in World of Warcraft, from beloved zones to iconic characters, while sharing weekly game updates and nostalgic memories. • Weekly news update includes world b…

1
Class Freedom, Leveling Tips, and PvP Strategies for World of Warcraft Players 20:19

14d ago20:19

20:19

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! We dive into the possibility of Blizzard removing race-class restrictions, examining ways that lore could support combinations like Night Elf Paladins and Undead Light-wielders. Our discussion expands to provide guidance for new subs…

1
Kobolds and the real life origins of in-game creatures 56:17

14d ago56:17

56:17

While they are unassuming little creatures, their presence in fantasy lore ranges all the way from traditional folklore all the way into modern day Dungeons and Dragons and World of Warcraft. With the help of staff writer Eric O'Dea, Joe and Matt delve deep to discuss the history of these little critters, from their origins as sprites or brownies o…

1
ep35: One Button To Rule Them All! ft. VibingGorilla 1:39:54

17d ago1:39:54

1:39:54

Is the One Button Rotation the end of World of Warcraft or is it a good thing? Join us this week along with content creator VibingGorilla as we discuss all things wow! VibingGorilla's Content: https://x.com/VibingGorilla_ https://www.twitch.tv/VibingGorilla https://www.tiktok.com/@thevibinggorilla Send us a text Join us on Discord at: https://disco…

1
Azeroth's Tavern Talk: WoW Updates and Insights 30:01

19d ago30:01

30:01

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! We tackle the latest developments in World of Warcraft, from the Mists of Pandaria Classic beta to upcoming retail game features like the Lorewalking system and combat assistance features. • Weekly events include Shirai and Gobfather…

1
Navigating Blizzard's World: PvE, PvP, and New Player Insights 26:29

21d ago26:29

26:29

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! The Pig and Whistle Tales from Azeroth podcast dissects forum debates about gear acquisition and endgame content priorities in World of Warcraft. We provide perspective on the ongoing tension between Mythic+ players and raiders while…

1
Gallywix is only mostly dead, and other listener questions 1:01:42

21d ago1:01:42

1:01:42

This week, Joe and Matt take to the mailbag to answer your questions, which are as varied as you are. First, since WoW has a tendency to bring back characters from the dead, and we just quote-unquote "killed" Gallywix, do we think he's actually dead, or will he be back? Then, in harkening back to a past episode, the connection between the Arathi an…

1
ep34: Dungeons vs Raids, Who Should Get Loot? 1:43:09

24d ago1:43:09

1:43:09

Big news this week! Dinars, Player Housing, Warcraft Show(?), and so much more! Join Chicken and Swag as they dig into everything happening in WoW this week. Send us a text Join us on Discord at: https://discord.gg/2usJfbCMAe Swag's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/the_swaglock Swag's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSwaglock Swag's X: https://x.c…

1
Player Housing is coming, and it won't be handed to you on day one. 26:51

26d ago26:51

26:51

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! We dive into the newly announced details of player housing coming to World of Warcraft with the Midnight expansion. The system will be a progressive journey where players collect decorations through various gameplay activities. • Wee…

1
Defensives, Meta, and MMR: Unpacking WoW PvP's Challenges 25:30

28d ago25:30

25:30

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! The PvP scene in World of Warcraft deserves more attention, particularly regarding its current state and potential improvements that could increase player participation. • DPS players dying without using defensive cooldowns frustrate…

1
ep33: Why Auto-Queue M+ Could Never Exist 1:44:03

1M ago1:44:03

1:44:03

Big changes happening soon in season 2 but many things are still up in the air. This week we got a viewer question about M+ solo queues, and despite how much better it sounds, can it actually work? Send us a text Join us on Discord at: https://discord.gg/2usJfbCMAe Swag's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/the_swaglock Swag's YouTube: https://www.youtub…

1
So You Want to Play WoW But Don't Know Which Button to Push? 24:26

1M ago24:26

24:26

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! Welcome to the Pig and Whistle Tales from Azeroth, where we dive into various World of Warcraft subjects while enjoying a drink at Stormwind's iconic inn. • Weekly news update featuring Kordak and the Gobfather as current world bosse…

1
Xal'atath, the Void, and the dawn of Azeroth's creation 54:17

1M ago54:17

54:17

This week's episode was inspired by a question from a listener, about where the story is going from here as we make our way toward the next expansion of World of Warcraft, Midnight. We veer right into Tinfoil Hat territory pretty quickly. After all, it's tough when a lot of the sources we have are either written by unreliable narrators, or were wri…

1
The PvP Dilemma: Why Your Favorite Class Feels Like a Punching Bag 22:01

1M ago22:01

22:01

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! The current state of World of Warcraft PvP highlights several major issues, from class imbalances to reward systems and community behavior. We explore critical forum discussions to uncover where improvements are most needed and how B…

1
ep32: Patch 11.1.5 Unpacked: Gear, Events, and Theories! 1:43:26

1M ago1:43:26

1:43:26

Tanks are good again? Swaglock and Chicken deep dive into World of Warcrafts next patch, 11.5! Send us a text Join us on Discord at: https://discord.gg/2usJfbCMAe Swag's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/the_swaglock Swag's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSwaglock Swag's X: https://x.com/TSwaglock Want To Partner With The Warband Podcast? Reach Ou…

1
Balancing an MMO: The Impossible Dream (rerun) 26:52

1M ago26:52

26:52

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! The beautiful complexity of MMO class balance emerges from WoW's inherent design, where perfect equilibrium isn't just unattainable but actually undesirable for maintaining the game's essence. • Tips for making gold in Classic and re…

1
Cyberpunk Edgerunners explores a crumbling dystopia 1:16:12

1M ago1:16:12

1:16:12

The Netflix animated show Cyberpunk Edgerunners is a great entry in the Cyberpunk universe, and one we felt worth exploring in-depth. Joe and Matt give us a spoiler-filled tour of Night City and how all the details of life in that universe lead to a dystopia packed with despair. This is an episode from the archives, so it's one we felt we should br…

1
Patch 11.1.5 and Season of Discovery Phase 8: Everything You Need to Know 28:45

1M ago28:45

28:45

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! The Pig and Whistle Tales from Azeroth podcast dives deep into the upcoming World of Warcraft Patch 11.1.5 and Season of Discovery Phase 8, breaking down all the new content, changes, and rewards players can expect. • Patch 11.1.5 re…

1
ep31: What's Wrong With Toxic Players? 1:38:27

1M ago1:38:27

1:38:27

Chicken and Swag recall this week's content experiences from Raid to M+. But the question that's really been on everyone's mind, why do toxic players behave the way they do? What causes this problem in World of Warcraft? Send us a text Join us on Discord at: https://discord.gg/2usJfbCMAe Swag's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/the_swaglock Swag's YouT…

1
The Great Debate: Classic vs. Retail WoW (Spoiler: It's Complicated) 23:17

2M ago23:17

23:17

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! We explore whether WoW players have become too entitled after 20+ years of content updates, examining forum discussions about player gratitude and the divide between PvP and PvE communities. • Weekly news: Current world bosses are Sh…

1
Types of WoW players RERUN 29:33

2M ago29:33

29:33

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! THIS EPISODE IS A RERUN FROM AN EPISODE 5 YEARS AGO Exploring the diverse personalities that populate World of Warcraft, from the helpful to the toxic, and how these player archetypes shape our gaming experience. • The three main cat…

1
Crucial Source Material 43:13

2M ago43:13

43:13

While we do enjoy going off on wild tangents or thinking about "what if," sometimes it's important to just go back to the crucial source material. The specific writing in-game can not only work to create a vibrant world, but with careful study, can inform the overall trajectory of what you can expect to come. WoW is no different, so today we're tak…

1
ep30: Where Are All The Healers? ft. Mothravita 1:49:44

2M ago1:49:44

1:49:44

Season 2 has brought a ton of positive changes to the game! But have things also improved for our healers? Plenty to discuss this week, especially with our special guest and Cutting Edge raider, Mothravita! Send us a text Join us on Discord at: https://discord.gg/2usJfbCMAe Swag's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/the_swaglock Swag's YouTube: https://w…

1
Can you play Hearthstone in the Emerald Dream, and other questions 1:01:09

2M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

This week's Lore Watch Podcast is Q&A style, so the topics veer all over the place -- more so than usual. We start off with a question about the Emerald Dream and whether it was designed as a prison -- timely, given Hearthstone's latest expansion releasing yesterday. Speaking of Hearthstone, the next question concerns in-game board games, and what …

1
ep29: Class Balance Is NOT a Real Problem 1:41:04

2M ago1:41:04

1:41:04

After a RWF with no DK's in it, we ask the question "Does Class Balance Even Matter?". The answers will surprise you on this week's episode of The Warband where we discuss everything wow related. Send us a text Join us on Discord at: https://discord.gg/2usJfbCMAe Swag's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/the_swaglock Swag's YouTube: https://www.youtube.…

1
The Ashbringer Returns: Season of Discovery Phase 8 Unveils Classic WoW's Greatest Mystery 27:47

2M ago27:47

27:47

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! Patch 11.1.5 introduces new features to World of Warcraft while Season of Discovery Phase 8 delivers the long-awaited Ashbringer questline alongside a brand-new raid. • Weekly world bosses: Kordrak and the Gobfather in Azoroth and th…

1
On the origins of the Sethrak 56:36

2M ago56:36

56:36

Join our hosts Joe Perez and Matt Rossi as they discuss the lore around the Sethrak, the snakelike humanoids we initially met in Vol'dun in Battle for Azeroth. How does their worship of the animalistic Loa spirits shape their society? Titans may tie in to the animalistic loa, and the two working together may have shaped Azeroth as we know it. Plus,…

1
Modern WoW has finally become the casual-friendly game it promised to be. 26:11

2M ago26:11

26:11

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! World of Warcraft's latest expansion The War Within has dramatically improved the game's accessibility for returning and casual players, abandoning problematic borrowed power systems in favor of more flexible progression options. • S…

1
ep28: Could Season 2 Be Better Than Season 1? 1:38:34

2M ago1:38:34

1:38:34

We take a quick break from binging season 2 content to bring you another episode of The Warband, your favorite podcast for all things World of Warcraft! Send us a text Join us on Discord at: https://discord.gg/2usJfbCMAe Swag's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/the_swaglock Swag's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSwaglock Swag's X: https://x.com/TS…

1
Freedom to Create: WoW's Player Housing System Reveals Impressive Details 21:32

2M ago21:32

21:32

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! World of Warcraft's upcoming player housing system in the Midnight expansion offers unprecedented creative freedom with both basic and advanced decoration modes. The feature includes complete customization of interior elements with c…

1
Could the Sunwell become a Voidwell? (And other wild Warcraft speculation) 1:02:21

2M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

This week we put on the tinfoil hat to contemplate Xal'atath's plans for the future, the nature of the void, and where we might be going in the Midnight expansion due out in 2026. As with most of our wild speculation episodes, the conversation goes off the rails and then forgets there were ever rails in the first place. Enjoy! If you enjoy the show…

1
The PvP Problem: Healers and Awareness in Solo Shuffle 27:42

2M ago27:42

27:42

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! PvP awareness and toxicity toward healers has reached critical levels in World of Warcraft's Solo Shuffle, resulting in a significant healer shortage and declining gameplay quality. Discipline Priests are dominating Season 2 while ma…

1
ep27: Season 2 First Impressions w/ Friends 1:48:09

2M ago1:48:09

1:48:09

Join Swag and Friends this week as we discuss our first impressions of Season 2 from The War Within. While Chicken is out of town, we've got 4 extra guests to fill his spot and talk all things World of Warcraft! Xortiq's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/xortiqdn Send us a text Join us on Discord at: https://discord.gg/2usJfbCMAe Swag's Twitch: https:/…

1
Retail vs Classic: Why I Choose Modern WoW Despite the Criticism 25:07

3M ago25:07

25:07

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! The fragmentation of World of Warcraft across multiple versions and hundreds of servers creates an illusion that the game is dying, despite a healthy player base estimated at 3-6 million players. • Weekly world bosses include Shirai …

1
What you need to know about Paladins, Templars, and Crusaders in Diablo 1:00:44

3M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

We're doing something a little new this week for Lore Watch, with a remaster of an older episode. As Joe explains in the new intro, we wanted to highlight something that we've already covered, but which could use another look as it becomes relevant again. Paladins or Crusaders are one of the most common fan picks for the second new class to come to…

1
Why Play WoW? The Fun and Frustration of Class Selection 23:46

3M ago23:46

23:46

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! Explore a passionate discussion surrounding class choices, expansion memories, and future possibilities in World of Warcraft. Tune in for insights on favorite and least enjoyable classes and shared nostalgia for the game's history. •…

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ep26: D.R.I.V.E. into Undermine: Exploring Patch 11.1 1:35:05

3M ago1:35:05

1:35:05

Join us as we dig into World of Warcraft’s Patch 11.1 "Undermined," spotlighting the gritty Undermine zone, customizable D.R.I.V.E. mounts, and the epic Liberation of Undermine raid. Send us a text Join us on Discord at: https://discord.gg/2usJfbCMAe Swag's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/the_swaglock Swag's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSwagl…

1
Is the Drive System Driving You Crazy? Let's Find Out! 25:27

3M ago25:27

25:27

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! The latest patch introduces the Drive System, which aims to transform movement in WoW. While there are exciting changes, challenges remain with navigating the new mechanics. • Overview of the new Drive System mechanics and their effe…

1
Suffer well: the lore of Death Knights in World of Warcraft 52:22

3M ago52:22

52:22

Death Knights, one of the most iconic, lore-heavy classes added to World of Warcraft, are the core topic of this week's Lore Watch, this time with a focus on what dead means, really. Join Joe and Matt as they discuss the other types of undead we know, and how their existence shapes current Death Knights. The concept of Death Knights, and death in g…

1
Gatekeeping in WoW Raids: Breaking Down Barriers 26:27

3M ago26:27

26:27

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! We explore the challenges of gatekeeping in the WoW raiding community, focusing on how add-ons affect players’ ability to join raids. Listeners hear personal stories illustrating the issues faced by new and returning players. • Discu…

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ep25: Season 2 Actually looking Good? A First Look ft. Kaipo 1:48:50

3M ago1:48:50

1:48:50

This week, we bring on CE Raider and M+ title competitor Kaipo to discuss Season 2 PTR, the shortcomings of M+ content, and once again why Tanks need to be better. Kaipo's X: https://x.com/KaipoLive Send us a text Join us on Discord at: https://discord.gg/2usJfbCMAe Swag's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/the_swaglock Swag's YouTube: https://www.youtu…

1
Exploring Twilight Protocol Dungeons and the Future of World of Warcraft 29:56

3M ago29:56

29:56

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! Cataclysm Classic dungeons spark debate among players regarding difficulty levels and skill requirements. As players navigate new mechanics in the Twilight Protocol dungeons, the tension between accessibility and challenge prompts di…

1
Exploring the Allure of World of Warcraft: Social Connections, Strategies, and Unforgettable Adventures 25:55

3M ago25:55

25:55

Praises or critics can be send here! Also if there's anything you wish to hear about please send your requests here! We explore the dynamic world of World of Warcraft, focusing on the engaging aspects of PvP, community friendships, and the significance of character classes. Players are encouraged to embrace the game's vastness, make connections, an…

1
Alliance vs Horde: can we just get along? 1:00:09

3M ago1:00:09

1:00:09

In this week's show, Matt and Joe discuss the conflict between Alliance and Horde -- and more importantly, the lack of conflict some characters may feel when they're just out there adventuring. Even if their factions are opposed, we've had a ton of time collaborating and helping each other out on a personal level. Could a third, neutral faction be …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Explore Azeroth Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen